The King's Speech dominates BAFTA Awards

Colin Firth was named Best Actor for his portrayal of stuttering British King George VI, while the Tom Hooper-directed drama also picked up Best Picture, Outstanding British Film, Best Supporting Actress for Helena Bonham Carter and Best Supporting Actor for Geoffrey Rush.

Accepting his award, Colin, who is highly tipped for success at the Oscars later this month for the role, praised the director, giving him his "eternal gratitude".

He said: "Thank you.Thank you. I like coming here. Thank you BAFTA. Consistent with the fact that almost every important turning point in my life has hinged on the banal and the arbitrary; such things as broken kitchen appliances and unsent emails, the day in which I had to have my first meeting with Tom Hooper, I hadto postpone a routine but possibly somewhat uncomfortable medical examination.

"I'm pleased to report Tom is a lot more edifying than the encounter I had been anticipating, but as the work went on it became apparent that Tom's working methods were every bit as thorough, as surprising and as effective as those of my doctor. So perhaps one never really escapes one's fate. He has my eternal gratitude."

Helena, who won the prize for her portrayal of the Queen Mother, paid tribute to the British royal family in her acceptance speech.

She said: "I should thank the royal family because they've done wonders for my career. I've had fun and I love it. I'm incredibly lucky to get this, and to get parts and dress up and then get paid loads of money for it."

However, the event at London's Royal Opera House was not without problems; Jessica Alba dropped her papers after presenting an award, while 'Made in Dagenham' star Rosamund Pike tried to announce the winner of an award before announcing the nominees.